Words from within

 International Women's Day! This day is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm every year. The usual panel discussions on TV and other platforms, empowered women giving speeches, the get togethers with women decked up in their fineries, social media flooded with forwards having inspiring quotes etc. As the brouhaha gradually dies down, it  makes me wonder ,why do we actually need a special day ? Shouldn't women be celebrated everyday ? These celebrations are done by a privileged few who have got the opportunities to dream big and achieve their aspirations. But the ground reality is that a major chunk of women in our society are oblivious to even the existence of such a day. They struggle everyday to break the shackles of patriarchy. They toil endlessly as they bear domestic violence, drunken outbursts, unwanted sexual advances and  humiliation by a male dominated society. Inspite of being the sole breadwinners of the family sometimes, they  fail to lead a decent...

  "Outer beauty attracts,  but inner beauty captivates " Every woman is born beautiful and unique. Each of God's creation is a masterpiece.  Tall, short, fair, dusky, thin, well endowed, varied physical features- each one has a different blueprint.  That is your genetic makeup. Does it really matter? What you acquire are your skills, talent, compassion, moral values and aspirations.  You have the ability to love, procreate and nurture. What is beauty? 1. A mother carrying her child for nine months with all the baggage that comes with it. 2.The scars sustained during pregnancy and childbirth. 3. The bosom when it latches the newborn to nurture him. 4.The smile on the face when greeting loved ones after a hard day of work. 5. The twinkle in the eyes on being appreciated for cooking a favorite meal for the family. 6.The soothing voice reassuring others in times of difficulty. 7.The sturdy shoulders bearing the weight of all responsibilities.  8.The wrinkles on...

As I entered my 45 th year, a sudden realisation dawned upon me that I have already crossed the prime years of my life. Mid life crisis hit me and set me worrying about the pace at which time was running out with so much left to do. Like everyone, I too have a bucket list of things I want to experience before i bid adieu to the world. Some of them i have been fortunate enough to achieve and some yet to be fulfilled.This is my wishlist and some recommendations for everyone which I feel should be done at least once in a lifetime. 1. Sleeping under the twinkling stars and watch the Moon play hide and seek with the clouds. Feel the gentle, cool breeze and the enchanting darkness. I have some wonderful memories of childhood -sleeping on the terrace of our ancestral house at our hometown in Rajasthan with my cousins and extended family.The chit chat, banter, laughter, games and the peaceful undisturbed sleep still enthrall me. I wish to sleep in a bean bag under the star studded sky at Nubra...

  तू मिला है मुझे इस क़दर जैसे तन्हा को मिले हमसफर जैसे मरने वाले को ज़िन्दगी जैसे तरसे को मिले पानी तू मिला है मुझे इस क़दर जैसे मिले गुमशुदा को मंजिल जैसे तपती धूप में छाया जैसे अंधेरे में उजाला तू मिला है मुझे इस क़दर जैसे मायूसी में आशा की किरण जैसे पूरी हो कोई ख्वाहिश जैसे गर्मी में हो बारिश तू मिला है मुझे इस क़दर जैसे दर्द में मिले सुकून जैसे शोर में खामोशी जैसे उदासी में हो खुशी   - Dr. Angelica

  The auspicious occasion has arrived An angel from heaven will descend A special and unique tiny being Will bring along mirth and joy Like the fragrance of fresh bloom Like rainfall after sweltering heat  Like  sunlight in wintery chill Like sparkling stars in the night sky  The divine smile and cooing The patter of small steps The peals of laughter The mischief and banter Are going to fill our lives  Gratitude to the Almighty  For blessings and happiness The auspicious occasion has arrived Dedicated to my brother's baby :)) - Dr. Angelica

  जो है प्यार और दया की मूरत जो करे पूरी सबकी जरूरत जो दे हर कदम पर साथ जो तकलीफ में थामे अपना हाथ जो अपनी खुशी की न करे परवाह जो दर्द में हो जैसे दवा जो दिखाए हमे सच्ची राह जो जगाये कुछ करने की चाह A guiding light A helping hand A loving hug A friendly chat A moral lesson  A great teacher Happy Father's Day to my amazing father❤️   - Dr. Angelica

Lifetimes are spent in seeking approval and adulation of others. We try to impress those around us and yearn to hear words of appreciation. We gloat when we receive that pat on the back and make it a benchmark for measuring our worth. But does not getting a validation from others, for a task well done, negate its significance?  We are all in a rat race to prove ourselves in our personal and professional lives. Our achievements give us gratification only when praised by others. Why do we always depend on others for our happiness? Women do bear the brunt, trying to play myriad roles in different phases of their lives to perfection- daughter, wife, mother, colleague etc. In today's world, your worth is decided by the number of likes and comments you receive on social media. Why have we become so vain?  We are all guilty of depending on too many things for our happiness. This pursuit of happiness while depending on external factors is always going to be elusive.   It's time t...